Tag: gin

Sip and Spritz: Scent-inspired Christmas Cocktails

As the festive season approaches, why not indulge in a sensory experience that combines the art of perfumery with the craft of mixology? This Christmas, we’re exploring fragrance-inspired cocktails that not only tantalise your taste buds but also complement your favourite scents.

 

While the cocktails are delightful on their own, the experience becomes truly magical when you wear the corresponding fragrance. The interplay between the scent on your skin and the aroma of your drink creates a multi-sensory journey that elevates both the perfume and the cocktail.

 

 

 

 

So, as you sip your Coconut Rum Old Fashioned, for example, the notes of Fan Your Flames could dance around you, creating a harmonious blend of taste and smell.

Let’s dive into a world where perfume and libations intertwine, creating a fabulously fragrant (and delicious!) immersive holiday experience.

 

 

 

Nishane Fan Your Flames – £285 for 100ml eau de parfum selfridges.com

This is a rich, intoxicating fragrance that combines creamy coconut with smoky tobacco and boozy rum. This ambrée gourmand scent is perfect for those who enjoy bold, complex aromas. To complement this fragrance, try a Coconut Rum Old Fashioned: Mix 60ml dark rum, 15ml coconut syrup, and a dash of Angostura bitters. Stir with ice and garnish with a flamed orange peel.

 

 

 

Roos & Roos Bel Absinthe – £110 for 100ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.co.uk

Offering a unique twist on the classic absinthe scent, this blends aromatic wormwood with chamomile, sandalwood, and patchouli. For a cocktail pairing, create an Absinthe Chamomile Fizz: Combine 30ml absinthe, 15ml chamomile syrup, 15ml lemon juice, and top with soda water. Garnish with a sprig of fresh chamomile.

 

 

Akro MALT – £160 for 100ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.co.uk

A deliciously woody, leathery fragrance that captures the essence of fine whiskey and rum. To match this sophisticated scent, mix up a Smoky Malt Sour: Shake 60ml smoky single malt whisky, 30ml fresh lemon juice, 15ml honey syrup, and an egg white. Strain into a rocks glass and garnish with a lemon twist and a drop of Angostura bitters.

 

 

Initio’s Side Effect – £230 for 90ml eau de parfum harveynichols.com

A seductive blend of tobacco, vanilla, rum, and cinnamon. Complement this warm, spicy fragrance with a Spiced Rum Vanilla Old Fashioned: Stir 60ml spiced rum, 10ml vanilla syrup, and a dash of aromatic bitters over ice. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and an orange peel.

 

 

Atkinson’s Mint & Tonic – £170 for 100ml eau de parfum thefragranceshop.co.uk

Stunningly fresh, this truly invigorating scent that combines mint, citrus, and woody notes. Pair it with a Minty Gin & Tonic: Mix 50ml gin, 15ml mint syrup, and top with tonic water. Garnish with fresh mint leaves and a slice of grapefruit.

 

This Christmas, why not consider hosting a fragrance and cocktail pairing party? Invite your guests to explore the world of scent and taste, encouraging them to discover new favourite combinations. It’s a unique way to celebrate the holidays, engaging all the senses and creating lasting memories.

Remember, the key to enjoying these pairings is to savour them slowly. Take time to appreciate the nuances of both the fragrance and the cocktail, noting how they complement and enhance each other. And of course, you can make up your own booze-free cocktails recipes, if preferred. Whether you’re curled up by the fire or hosting a festive gathering, these fragrance-inspired cocktails are sure to add an extra layer of sophistication and enjoyment to your Christmas celebrations. Cheers!

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Gin-inspired scents… chin-chin!

The world of perfumery and gin share a fascinating connection, both relying heavily on the art of fragrant ingredient distillation, and the use of botanicals to create distinct aromas / flavours. This shared process highlights the artistry and creativity inherent in both fields, where the senses of smell and taste intertwine to produce olfactory masterpieces.

 

 

 

 

In a previous article on The Perfume Society blog, we explored fragrant gins and mixers inspired by the world of perfumery, showcasing how the essence of summer blooms and other fragrant elements can be captured in a bottle. Today, we turn the tables and delve into fragrances that draw inspiration from gin itself, celebrating the spirit’s crisp, botanical essence… Chin-chin!

 

 


Oh this is *such* a sophisticated fragrance that pays olfactory homage to the iconic London street, known for its rich history in tailoring and (thanks to Floris’ heritage), fine perfumery. This scent captures the essence of a classic gin and tonic, with fresh citrus notes of bergamot and lime, complemented by the aromatic presence of juniper berries. The heart reveals a blend of coriander and lavender, adding depth and complexity, while a base of amber and musk provides a warm, lingering finish. Just add ice!

Floris Jermyn Street £120 for 50ml eau de parfum florislondon.com

 

 


Inspired by the exuberance of London in the roaring twenties, Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling is a playful and spirited fragrance. It opens with a burst of juniper berries, reminiscent of a crisp gin cocktail. The heart features a spicy blend of cardamom, leather, and black pepper, evoking the lively atmosphere of a speakeasy. A base of brown sugar, black cherry, and vetiver adds a sweet yet sophisticated finish, making it a perfect choice for those who enjoy a touch of nostalgia in their scent.

Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling £85 for 30ml eau de toilette penhaligons.com

 

 

 


Perfectly capturing the refreshing and joyously invigorating spirit of enjoying a gin and tonic on a summer’s day is the blissful inspo, here. The fragrance opens with a zesty blend of Sicilian lemon and Calabrian bergamot, creating a WHOOSH of an uplifting introduction. Juniper berries and angelica root form the heart, providing a classic gin aroma, while a base of cedarwood and white musk adds a clean, elegant finish. This fragrance is a tribute to the simplicity and elegance of a well-crafted gin cocktail, and we’re here for scented seconds, please!

Mizensir Blue Gin £185 for 100ml eau de parfum harrods.com

 

 

 


This playful fragrance from 4160 Tuesdays takes inspiration from the British tradition of rhyming slang, with “apples and pears” meaning stairs. The scent is a delightful blend of fruity and botanical notes, with a prominent apple and pear accord that is both juicy and crisp. Juniper berries and a hint of gin add a refreshing twist, while a base of oakmoss, and musk grounds the fragrance, making it a fun yet gloriously grounding addition to any fragrance-lovers cabinet.

4160 Tuesdays Up the Apples & Pears £50 for 15ml eau de parfum 4160tuesdays.com

 

 


A fragrant tribute to the iconic cocktail popularised in the 1950s, capturing its effervescent and refreshing character. The fragrance opens with a sparkling blend of lemon, bergamot, and mandarin, reminiscent of the cocktail’s citrusy top notes. The heart features a floral bouquet of iris and orange blossom, adding a touch of elegance, while a base of vetiver and white musk provides a clean, sophisticated finish. This scent is perfect for those who appreciate a classic, timeless fragrance with a modern twist.

Lubin Gin Fizz £135 for 50ml eau de toilette escentual.com

 

These fragrances, inspired by the world of gin, demonstrate the creative interplay between perfumery and distillation, offering a sensory experience that is both refreshing and intriguing. Whether you’re a fan of gin or simply enjoy unique and aromatic scents, these fragrances are sure to delight your senses…

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Now Serving: fragrant gins (scents you can sip…?)

As you sip a gin and tonic, you’re indulging in a symphony of fragrant botanicals that elevate this spirit above all other alcoholic beverages. Distillers meticulously craft their creations by selecting unique botanical ingredients, with juniper berries traditionally taking centre-stage. However, it’s the additional fragrant notes that often steal the spotlight…

 

Recently, a fragrant trend has emerged in the distilling world, one that has perfumers everywhere raising their glasses in delight. Flower-powered gins are blossoming, particularly in the summer months, bringing a floral flourish to this classic drink.

 

 

These gins infuse the essence of summer blooms, offering a refreshing twist that captures the imagination and taste buds alike.In the world of gin, as in fragrance, the choice of botanicals is paramount. It is this careful selection and blending that transforms a simple drink into a sensory experience, much like a well-crafted perfume. So, next time you enjoy a gin and tonic, take a moment to appreciate the artistry involved—a nod to the perfumers’ craft and a celebration of botanical beauty in every sip.

 

 

In the heartland of perfumery, Comte de Grasse is redefining the art of distillation by drawing inspiration from its aromatic roots. Nestled in what was once the historic home of fragrance house Roure, known for crafting raw materials since 1820, this innovative distillery is now a beacon of modern techniques. Comte de Grasse employs cutting-edge methods such as ultrasonic maceration, vacuum distillation, and CO2 supercritical extraction to create their signature gin, 44°N. This floral-infused gin is a testament to the seamless blend of perfumery and distillation, offering a sensory experience like no other.

 

Comte de Grasse 44°N Gin £75 fortnumandmason.com

 

CEO & Founder Bhagath Reddy proudly states, ‘Utilising practices from the perfume industry for producing our gin has resulted in a flavour like nothing else we’ve tasted.’ 44°N gin unfolds on the palate with bright citrus top notes, salty samphire, and sharp, woody juniper, leading to a floral heart of Grasse’s Rosa centifolia, jasmine, honeyed mimosa, and a base of spicy, peppered patchouli grounded with elegant, powdery orris. This bold fusion of flavours promises to play with your senses, much like a fine fragrance.

 

For those seeking other floral-inspired gins, consider these olfactory-rich options: [pictured left to right]

  • Custom Spirit Co Flower Power Gin: A host of florals including lavender, rose petals, chamomile, and elderflower. £31.16 for 70cl at masterofmalt.com.
  • Whitley Neill Parma Violet Gin: Infused with violet flowers for a vibrant, Italian taste. £24.99 for 70cl at distillersdirect.com
  • BLOOM London Dry Gin: Crafted by Joanne Moore, featuring chamomile, honeysuckle, and pomelo. £25.99 for 70cl at spiritly.com.
  • Dunnet Bay Rock Rose Gin: A blend of local botanicals and imported juniper. £36 for 70cl at dunnetbaydistillers.com.
  • Mary-Le-Bone Orange & Geranium Gin: A fragrant mix inspired by historic pleasure gardens. £22.51 for 70cl at masterofmalt.com.
  • City of London Distillery Rhubarb & Rose Gin: A small-batch gin with a floral and fruity profile. £30.90 for 70cl at thewhiskyworld.com.
  • Silent Pool English Rose Gin: Infused with English roses, perfect for summer. £25.50 for 50cl at thespiritbottle.com.
  • Edinburgh Orange Blossom & Mandarin Gin Liqueur: Featuring orange and thyme botanicals. £14.75 for 50cl at thewhiskyexchange.com.

 

 

Mixers are also embracing floral notes to complement your G&T or other cocktails:

  • Artisan Drinks Violet Blossom Tonic: Offers a meadow-like taste with elderflower and violet. £16.80 for 12 x 200ml at thenorfolkhub.co.uk.
  • Fentiman’s Rose Lemonade: Scented with Bulgarian rose oil and lemons. £1.55 for 275ml at sainsburys.co.uk.
  • Belvoir Floral Soda: Elderflowers blended with hibiscus & geranium petal extracts for a delightfully floral fizz £2.25 for 500ml at ocado.com.
  • Thomas Henry Cherry Blossom Tonic: Celebrates the Hanami season with aromatic blossom. £1.90 for 20cl at piccantino.co.uk.

These fragrant gins and mixers invite you to explore a sensory journey, perfect for those who want to create their own bespoke ‘blend’ and fully appreciate the art of perfumery in their glass. Cheers!

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Fragrances For… an Olfactory Oktoberfest

With Oktoberfest soon to begin, the boozy celebrations needn’t always be searched for at the bottom of a glass – that warming swirl of unctious softness and comfort, together with succulent fruitiness, oak-smoked woodiness and even the sparkle of ice cracking in a cool tumbler of something lovely can be found in fragrant form. Settle down for a scented session with these…

 

 

 

 

 

4160 Tuesdays Captured By Candlelight
Always a perfumer with a story to tell, Sarah McCartney weaves a mysteriously evocative tale in uniquely fragrant form with flaming brandy-soaked fruits, a wood-panelled dining room, softly dripping wax candles and the tingling sense of anticipation that precedes a country house party. If you order the 100ml bottle size from the 4160 Tuesdays website, they’ll even send you an accompanying story written especially for the scent – a feast for all the senses

£127.50 for 100ml eau de parfum The Perfume Society Shop

 

 

 

 

KILIAN_ANGELS_SHARE

Kilian Angels’ Share
Founder Kilian Hennessy maintains that he is introducing a new fragrance family here – which he should label ‘boozy’, as a reflection of its intoxicating qualities (inspired by his own family heritage). Perfumer Benoist Lapouza takes a jigger of cognac essence, adds oak absolute (an echo of the barrels themselves), spiced by cinnamon essence, tonka bean, praline and vanilla. Family-wise, we’d still position this hovering between Ambrée and gourmand – but we’re certain of its irresistibility.

From £165 for 50ml parfum bykilian.co.uk

 

 

 

Dunhill Icon Elite
Appealing to his bohemian spirit, this tobacco-laden scent speaks of long liquid lunches in smoky French brasseries padded with faded leather and panelled in dark wood. Musky Cuban cascarilla oil is pierced by the piquancy of pimento berries and a cool shot of pine needles with herbaceously aromatic sage. The gently smouldering base of Malaysian patchouli gets comfortable with a boozy cherry-like sweetness of the toasty tonka beans – perfect for the dad who rather fancies himself as an undiscovered artist.

£63 for 50ml eau de parfum houseoffraser.co.uk

 

 

 

Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling
A sparkling, tall glass of gin that cracks as the ice succumbs to the fresh piquancy of juniper (gin’s ‘signature’ aromatic), then there’s cool measures of angelica and brandy plus the deeper throb of and a beating libertine’s heart in heat-tingled flecks of black pepper popping in the background. Evoking the ‘bright young things’ of the 1920’s, it’s become a modern classic go-to for effervesent, effortless day-wear with oodles of character and a refreshingly different presence that you’ll simply never tire of.

£155 for 100ml eau de toilette penhaligons.com

 

 

 

ILK Libertine
Indulge your inner libertine with this oppulent, swagger of a scent, inspired by Cassonova himself. You can smell his favourite tipple, ‘cordial orgeat,’ through dusky cognac-infused rose and bitter orange flower, with a saffron-soaked throb of leather, hot wax, animalic cumin lashed to the darker base of amber and deep woods.Fanning the flames of passion with that boozy swirl of pure licentiousness it’s one of those scents that draws people to you, intrigued yet perhaps slightly in trepedation of your swaggering sexiness!

£125 for 50ml eau de parfum ilkperfume.com

 

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Fragrant gins we love – the list gets longer!

Our discovery of Theodore Pictish Gin made the list of ‘fragrant gins we love’ get longer, and we would like you to consider for a moment the many hours The Perfume Society team have devoted to this research for you and you alone, dear reader.

A little while ago we shared with you some of our favourite gins infused with ingredients more often sniffed in scents – inviting you to stop and sip the roses – but having been introduced to Theodore Gin at a ‘Gin & Pefume’ evening in London recently, we wanted to share our latest fragrant finding with you too.

Inspired by the lost civilisation of the Picts, this aromatic Scottish gin is actually an experiemental batch, and includes six scented botanicals of pine, damask rose, pomelo and bourbon vetiver – ‘distilled in a multi-stage process using an old charentais still alongside a rotovap to extract the best flavours and aromas from each distinct botanical.’

 

 

The makers explain that, ‘Pomelo is distilled in old Charentais still at ‘feu nu’ to extract the elegant citric notes of the fruit. Ginger is double distilled again in Charentais in order to extract woody warmth and powdery spiciness. Honey and fresh pine needles are distilled under vacuum using a rotavapor to preserve the freshness of the botanicals. Coriander, juniper, pink pepper, chamomile, kaffir limes, orris, cardamom and lavender are distilled in classical London Dry style

​After distillation and blending, we further infuse Theodore Gin with Oolong tea, which gives it a green-grassy astringency that adds layers of complexity as well as balancing the natural sweetness of the gin, as well as giving the liquid a pale straw colour.

This intricate and delicate elixir is the product of a perfumer and two master distillers, one British and one French, combining old and new techniques.’

Having sampled this aromatic gin in three differing cocktails (for research purposes) we can tell you that the lavender and smoky coolness of the vetiver are certainly very noticable to our noses, as were the warm tingle of ginger balanced against the soft powder of orris and gentle tea undertones in the taste.

For true fragrant gin connoisseurs, best sipped with a non-obtrusive tonic alone, we feel, and perhaps with a creatively foraged garnish to compliment the floral notes most? We shall be looking forward to conducting further scented research throughout the warmer days to come, either way…

Theodore Pictish Gin £45
theodoregin.com

By Suzy Nightingale

Scent-inspired gins at Harvey Nichols!

Scent inspired gins certainly get our attention, and there’s no doubt that the gin-craze continues apace. Now, we’ve tried many a tipple here at The Perfume Society (purely for research purposes), but never one inspired by the smell of embalmed Egyptian mummies. Until last night, that is…

We were invited to the press launch of That Boutique-y Gin Company‘s four new gins, all inspired by fragrance and made with the collaboration of Lizzie Ostrum (AKA Odette Toilette) and presented with paintings by brilliant synaesthetic artist, Phillipa Stanton.

The concept takes synaesthesia (the mixing of the senses – ascribing smells and tastes to colours, for example) and bottles it, allowing your sense of smell and taste to take you on an immersive journey into some really quite wonderful (and weird) places…

Big Dipper Gin: Sweet cocoa, earthy cardamom and smoky botanicals capture the nostalgic smell of the funfair.

Fresh Rain Gin: Inspired by the science of perichor (the smell of the first rainfall after a hot, dry period), combining beetroot and edible clay.

Dead King Gin: Featuring botanicals commonly associated with the Egyptian embalming process – rosemary, honey, moss and myrrh.

Beware of the Woods: Wood-y botanicals such as Icelandic moss, nutmeg and cubeb combine to take you on a journey through the forest.

That Boutique-y Gin Company Olfactor-y Gins £42 for 500ml
harveynichols.com

Written by Suzy Nightingale

 

6 cocktail-inspired scent trends you have to try

Sitting in the sunshine and sipping a glass (or three) of something thirst-quenching is just the thing – and perfumers seem similarly inclined. If you’re planning a holiday, or simply enjoying our own (currently clement!) weather, this is definitely the time to change-up your fragrance game and perhaps consider one of these cocktail-inspired scents…

We might as well start as we mean to go on, so fancy something fruity? Zara have added three new fragrances with a Cocktail Collection (how apropos), encompassing three favourite tipples: Cherry Sling, Peach Margarita and Sweet Daiquiri. Peony, peach and pear; melon, rose and musk or nashi pear, bamboo and lotus: whichever you choose, these are joyfully exuberant (and very pocket-friendly!) ways to wear the trend.

Zara Cocktail Collection £9.99 for 200ml eau de toilette
Buy them at zara.com

For those who prefer their snifters a bit more straight-up, the cool, clear crackle of ice in a crystal tumbler is wonderfully evoked by perfumer Sidonie Lancesseur. A side order of chilled cardamom and coriander fizz pleasingly with aldehydes as bitter rhubarb accord, a splash of clear rose and lily of the valley swirl with leather, sandalwood and oakmoss. Distinctly dashing.

By Kilian Vodka on the Rocks £215 for 100ml eau de parfum
At bykilian.co.uk

Peach schnapps with lychee and crystalised rose petals? Lalique‘s Rêve d’Infini sees us sipping iced martinis in a fabulous Art-Nouveau hotel. Love a drop of rum? Swashbuckler’s should head for the exotic Atkinsons Pirates Grand Reserve, while those more clasically inclined may wish to wear a Chambord and Champagne-like mix in Vince Camuto‘s Amore. Explore all of these (and many more) in this unashamedly decadent Discovery Box…

The Velvet Collection £19 (£15 for VIP Subscribers)
At our shop

Many perfume-lovers seem to share a love for gin – perhaps it’s the wonderful array of botanicals that are now being used to infuse various small-batch brands, so reminiscent of the way fragrances are made? For fellow gin-lovers, this is now an absolute classic – a crisply refined cocktail on a pleasingly debauched base of black cherry, soft leather, crytalised brown sugar and exotic amber. To be splashed with abandon and relished at leisure.

Penhaligon’s Juniper Sling £100 for 50ml eau de toilette
At penhaligons.com

Visiting the Kilchoman distillery on their beautiful remote island inspired a scent that captures not only the rich flavours of the golden liquor, but hints of hedgerows and the windswept, rugged mosslands for which they’re famed. Galbanum brings to mind bright yellow gorse flowers, bergamot and orris mirror the citrus-floral notes found in the whiskey itself, while a cade oil and patchouli create a peaty accord that’s reassuringly (and literally) grounding.

Floris Islay £180 for 100ml eau de parfum
At florislondon.com

Thirst-qunching Watermelons with the freshness of green mandarin, notes of green tea and cooling vetiver; Blood Oranges bursting with vibrant, long-lasting citrus, and Framboise Noire succulent with black raspberries and ripe forest berries with a deep undertone like that of an ultra-smooth red wine… Fruit punch, claret, gourmand liqours, watermelon martinis? Allow yourself to be utterly transported by all in this deliciously curated collection.

Shay & Blue Precious Miniatures £65 (VIP price £55) for 5 x 10ml eau de parfum
At our shop

Pssst! Had your cocktail curiousity piqued? Our Subscribers were the first to be invited to our exclusive Sip & Sniff evening at Jovoy Mayfair (so you’ll need to be signed in to view this invite) on June 20th – where experts will be pairing six scents with matching drinks. But we’ll be giving you more details about this tomorrow, so watch our Events section for news!

Written by Suzy Nightingale

Murdock London & Silent Pool’s scented gin fling

We know that many are striving for a ‘dry January’, but to be honest, we’re far preferring the ‘Ginuary’ approach to this month… and as such were excited to hear that gentlemen’s grooming aficionados, Murdock London, have teamed up with Surrey-based gin connoisseurs, Silent Pool, for a fragrant gin cocktail experience based on Murdock’s best-selling Cologne.

Watch the beautiful short film below and read on for details of how you can get your hands on some…

Style-seeking chaps who spend £75 or more during their visit to Murdock London salons in Soho, Covent Garden or Shoreditch can now look forward to a bespoke gin made by Silent Pool – based on the intriguingly smoky yet vibrantly citrusy Murdock London fragrance, Black Tea.

Part of Silent Pool’s ‘Intricately Realised‘ series of collaborations, in which they hook-up with suitably sophisticated companies who inspire limited edition infusions of their artisanal gin, we spoke to Stu Bale, Head of Innovation at the Silent Pool distillery, to find out more…

Stu explained their approach to the Murdock London drink was slightly different to previous Intricately Realised versions, built as a fragrance can be composed, so he ‘…started with the base notes, which were black tea, nutmeg and pepper,’ trying many differing kinds he eventually settled on Tasmanian pepper, ‘which gave a great warmth without having overpowering spiciness.’

We were thrilled to hear that long-time friend of The Perfume Society, Henrietta Lovell‘s Rare Tea was the one selected with which to flavour the gin. ‘As far as I’m concerned, it’s the best in the world,’ Says Stu, going on to describe how he infused this, along with nutmeg in the same alcohol they use to macerate the botanicals in Silent Pool gin. Another link to the fragrance world, as perfume compositions must be macerated (allowed time to develop) before they are ready to wear.

Layering the materials by ‘constantly referring [to the fragrance] and working systematically from the base notes through to the top notes,’ Stu then added small amounts of sandalwood and cedar to echo the ‘woody, mysterious ambrée vibe’ of the Cologne. Finally he added neroli and pettigrain – classic top notes to a traditional Cologne, and the final mixture is served with tonic water to add the ‘oomph’ of a spritzed scent. Having tirelessly researched the taste of this Cologne-inspired cocktail, we can report that it’s silky smooth with a definite tang of gentle spice-infused tea, and goes down a treat.

Have a look at the short film they made…

We also took the opportunity to douse ourselves in the Black Tea fragrance, which is equal measures of refreshing and riveting – a darker, spicier Cologne than most and all the more intriguing (especially at this time of year). Definitely a scent that can also be enjoyed by women, we might have to buy this as a Valentine’s gift (perhaps with a certificate for one of Murdock London’s many grooming services) and, um, ‘borrow’ it for ourselves…

Murdock London Black Tea £70 for 100ml Cologne
Buy it at murdocklondon.com

Silent Pool’s bespoke #IntricatelyRealised gin is currently a gift when spending £75 or more at Murdock London’s Soho, Covent Garden and Shoreditch branches. While stocks last, so hurry!

Written by Suzy Nightingale